Opinion

Many of us can remember listening to Everette Lee, one of the founders of Campbellsville's Fourth of July Celebration, remark on Main Street during opening ceremonies: "They're one of ours," when introducing someone being honored.

That phrase could not be any more evident than when John "J.B." Holmes plays for the United States during the 37th Ryder Cup this week at Valhalla.

According to recent news reports, a 69-year-old Louisville woman attempted to secure a domestic violence order against her 68-year-old husband. However, Judge Joseph O'Reilly determined that he "did not find the burden of proof that violence occurred," and did not issue the order. This was on Aug. 20. On Aug. 25, Dorene Seidl was shot to death allegedly by her husband as she attempted to retrieve belongings from her home.

As much as we would wish that every baby is born healthy, life doesn't always happen like that. That's why organizations such as the March of Dimes are so important.

The March of Dimes is a nonprofit health organization that works to give all babies a chance. Beginning with its founding in 1938 and the subsequent development of a vaccine to eliminate polio, the March of Dimes has saved the lives of millions of babies over the past 70 years.

Rarely, if ever, has an election captured global attention like this one. The race for the White House is a topic of conversation at dinner tables, in marketplaces and halls of worship and on news broadcasts around the world. Democracy is on full display, and the message is hopeful, forward-looking and bright.

Here at home, the historic nature of this election is inspiring a kind of democratic renaissance. Registration and turnout are expected to reach historic highs.

As big a business as tourism has become in our community - $42.8 million in 2007 - it's important for us to put on a good show.

And the show at Green River Lake is a major reason for our success. Whether it's fishing, water sports, camping or simply relaxing with friends, there's literally something for everyone to enjoy at the lake.

First, one notices the increased traffic. Then it's the busy parking lots. Those are two of the more obvious clues that Campbellsville University has begun a new semester and students from all over have arrived to make Campbellsville their temporary home.

But there are other clues as well, some much less noticeable to the average person.

With a fall semester enrollment of 2,405, there will be extra people to spend money in our stores, buy our gas, eat our food and attend our activities.

The cost of goods rose more than expected in July. Families are feeling the pinch as the cost of food, energy and clothing is going up and salaries are staying the same. Taxpayers cannot bear a heavier load in order to give the schools the added increase they need to operate - especially when our schools are not being fiscally responsible with the resources they already have.

We were expecting a big crowd at Tuesday night's Taylor County School Board meeting. Boy, were we surprised when no one showed up.

We were as concerned as anyone when we learned about the "top story" on WHAS' Monday night news broadcast. A suspected problem with mold and mildew at Taylor County Elementary School making many children ill is certainly something parents need to know about.

This year's race for State Representative just became even more important.

Citing a battle with cancer, Democrat Doug Mullins has dropped out of the 51st District race.

Mullins, a current Campbellsville City Council member, ran unopposed in the May primary. He would have faced Republican John "Bam" Carney in the November General Election in an attempt to fill the term vacated by Russ Mobley, R-Campbellsville.

In the last half-century, we've taken huge steps to ensure that all Americans get treated equally in the workplace. From the landmark civil rights legislation of the 1960s and onwards, fair hiring and pay regulations have allowed women and minorities to stand up for themselves and demand the equal treatment they deserve on the job.

The impact of that progress has been tremendous. An entire generation of Americans understands that they have a right to fair and honest treatment on the job - a far cry from the days when women could be openly denied "men's jobs."

Report cards - you gotta love 'em. They keep parents informed about how well our children are doing in school. They also let us know the areas in which our children may need help.

And good report cards are a sign that our schools are indeed teaching our children what they need to know in their journey to adulthood.

A story on today's front page tells us about local results for the federal No Child Left Behind Act, which requires states to provide information on schools' and districts' progress toward proficiency by 2014.

Our state has made a name for itself on more than one occasion. Kentucky is known for its family farms, its horses, its hospitality and more. However, there are several other issues that aren't quite as appealing.

We lead the nation in the number of ATV deaths, prisoner growth and poor dental care. And, now, we're apparently leading many other, much larger cities in the amount of online gossip we participate in.

Our state has made a name for itself on more than one occasion. Kentucky is known for its family farms, its horses, its hospitality and more. However, there are several other issues that aren't quite as appealing.

We lead the nation in the number of ATV deaths, prisoner growth and poor dental care. And, now, we're apparently leading many other, much larger cities in the amount of online gossip we participate in.